Christian World | Pope Leo XIV greeted about 30 members of a Chicago church coalition that visits immigrants held in ICE detention at Wednesday's audience, Vatican News reports

ACW | October 28, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV greeted about 30 members of a Chicago church coalition that visits immigrants held in ICE detention at his General Audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, Vatican News reported.

The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership includes priests, deacons, students and Catholic leaders. Vatican News said the group offers prayer, pastoral care and companionship to migrants from Central and South America in Chicago's suburbs.

Its main focus is visiting detainees at the Broadview facility, which is run by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about 15 kilometres from downtown Chicago. Vatican News said ICE's methods have drawn controversy and accusations.

The coalition obtained temporary access after initial delays and, since May 2026, has made more than 135 visits to 725 detained immigrants, according to Vatican News.

Members gave the Pope photographs of their work and letters from migrants. Witnesses said he appeared moved, greeted everyone and posed for a photo with the group.

One member thanked the Pope for his remarks on pastoral care for people held at Broadview. Auxiliary Bishop José María García Maldonado of Chicago told Vatican News the coalition is "a force within the Church in the service of goodness and justice."

The Vatican News report contains no statement from ICE or other government officials.

Background: Vatican News refers to earlier remarks by the Pope on pastoral care for Broadview detainees but gives no date. ACW earlier reported on US plans to deport Afghans to Pakistan.

Why it matters: Vatican News says the group faced delays before gaining access to the detention centre; the audience brings the question of pastoral access to detained migrants to the level of the Catholic Church's leadership.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Source: Vatican News — Pope greets activists supporting migrants at Chicago's ICE detention center

Photo: Vatican Media